First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1individual
adjective in·di·vid·u·al \ˌin-də-ˈvij-wəl, -ˈvi-jə-wəl, -ˈvi-jəl, -ˈvi-jü-əl\
: of, relating to, or existing as just one member or part of a larger group
: having a special and unusual quality that is easily seen
: intended or designed for one person
Full Definition of INDIVIDUAL
1
obsolete : inseparable
2
a : of, relating to, or distinctively associated with an individual <an individual effort> b : being an individual or existing as an indivisible whole c : intended for one person <an individual serving>
3
: existing as a distinct entity : separate
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See individual defined for kids
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Origin of INDIVIDUAL
Medieval Latin individualis, from Latin individuus indivisible, from in- + dividuus divided, from dividere to divide
Related to INDIVIDUAL
- Synonyms
- idiomatic, individualized, particular, patented, peculiar, personal, personalized, private, privy, separate, singular, subjective, unique
Synonym Discussion of INDIVIDUAL
special, especial, specific, particular, individual mean of or relating to one thing or class. special stresses having a quality, character, identity, or use of its own <special ingredients>. especial may add implications of preeminence or preference <a matter of especial importance>. specific implies a quality or character distinguishing a kind or a species <children with specific nutritional needs>. particular stresses the distinctness of something as an individual <a ballet step of particular difficulty>. individual implies unequivocal reference to one of a class or group <valued each individual opinion>.
characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.
characteristic, individual, peculiar, distinctive mean indicating a special quality or identity. characteristic applies to something that distinguishes or identifies a person or thing or class <responded with her characteristic wit>. individual stresses qualities that distinguish one from all other members of the same kind or class <a highly individual writing style>. peculiar applies to qualities possessed only by a particular individual or class or kind and stresses rarity or uniqueness <an eccentricity that is peculiar to the British>. distinctive indicates qualities distinguishing and uncommon and often superior or praiseworthy <a distinctive aura of grace and elegance>.
2individual
noun
: a single person : a person who is considered separate from the rest of a group
: a particular person
: a single member or part of a group
Full Definition of INDIVIDUAL
1
a : a particular being or thing as distinguished from a class, species, or collection: as (1) : a single human being as contrasted with a social group or institution <a teacher who works with individuals> (2) : a single organism as distinguished from a group b : a particular person <are you the individual I spoke with on the telephone?>
2
: an indivisible entity
3
: the reference of a name or variable of the lowest logical type in a calculus
See individual defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INDIVIDUAL
1605
INDIVIDUAL[1] Defined for Kids
1individual
adjective in·di·vid·u·al \ˌin-də-ˈvi-jə-wəl\
Definition of INDIVIDUAL for Kids
1
: relating to a single member of a group <individual needs>
2
: intended for one person <an individual pizza>
3
: 1particular 1, separate <Each individual case is different.>
2individual
noun
Definition of INDIVIDUAL for Kids
1
: a single member of a group
2
: a single human being
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